Author: Rabindra

LalitArpan Festival 2024 Delights with Stunning Performances at Stein Auditorium, New Delhi

The LalitArpan Festival, the brainchild of Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, one of the most eminent tabla players, was envisaged in 2002. It sowed the seeds to provide a platform to young artistes as well as to foster confidence and make a room in the realm of performing arts by making them participate along with reputed senior artistes, which we have strived to do to the best of their ability. Alongside, we envisioned to present the rasikas, various dimensions of the rich tapestry of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, dance dramas and ensembles, and so on, to the aficionados. Organized by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, this festival has, till date, presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts.

Every year, the festival comes up with new themes. This year, the Lalit Arpan Festival 2024 exhibited a grand spectacle of performances pulsating with emotions and lively rhythms. The eminent guests who graced the event included Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Indian Artist Shruti Gupta Chandra, Artist Naresh Kapuria, Artist Kavita Dixit, Designer Leena Singh, Abha Dalmia, Neelam Pratap Rudy, Bharatnatyam Dancer Rama Vaidyanathan, Former Austrian Ambassador Dr. Herbert Traxl, Mr. Suneet Tandon, Writer Prayag Shukla, & Ranjana Narayan. Through solo and trio creative presentations, renowned artists and torchbearers of their respective traditions put their minds and souls to the concept to deliver an unforgettable performance on stage:

October 14, 2024:

“Stree Spandan: Why I did what I did” by Shovana Narayan (Kathak), Gopika Varma (Mohiniyattam), and Sharon Lowen (Odissi)

“Stree Spandan,” a powerful abhinaya-based production that explores the emotional upheavals of three principled Mahabharata women characters, Kunti, Draupadi, and Gandhari, portrayed by Shovana Narayan, Gopika Varma, and Sharon Lowen, respectively. “On seeing the dead bodies of their loved ones on the battlefield, each one justifies their actions to themselves…WOULD they have acted differently? Were they winners or losers? Ultimately, the abhinaya reflects unchanging experiences and circumstances surrounding women through the ages and their emotions and emotional responses!”

October 15, 2024:

“Sapaad Pancha”: An Asavari Group Presentation by Pallavi Lohani, Komal Biswal, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chouhan, and Mayank Gangani
Kathak recital by Praveen Parihar
Bharatanatyam recital by Rama Vaidyanathan

The visual extravaganza witnessed the display of graceful facial expressions, exquisite hand gestures, and energetic rhythmic patterns!

Es Magico Launches Mumbai’s First AI Studio, Empowering Startups with Advanced AI Solutions

Mumbai, 16th October: Es Magico, a leader in AI-powered products, has launched Mumbai’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) studio, marking a major milestone in the city’s tech and entrepreneurial landscape. The studio is designed to accelerate innovation, offering a platform for startup founders developing AI-powered products, as well as enterprises seeking bespoke AI and SaaS solutions to drive business transformation.

Es Magico’s mission is to empower both young innovators and established enterprises to leverage AI in creating scalable products that address business challenges while making a positive societal impact.

“AI has become essential for both modern products and legacy systems, yet access to the technology and the necessary expertise remains limited. Es Magico aims to bridge this gap by helping enterprises adopt and implement AI at pact and at scale.” said Shreyas Sanghvi, co-founder of Es Magico. “Our venture studio is designed to incubate AI startup ideas and rapidly launch MVPs for market proof of concept, allowing founders to move forward without the need to build an in-house team.” he added.

The launch event featured notable figures such as former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Dr. Nilay Yajnik, Professor at Reliance Foundation Jio Institute, and Naman Pugalia, Founder of Red Stub Club. These leaders emphasized the growing importance of AI and pledged support for future collaborations. Shri Chavan highlighted AI’s role in unlocking growth for India by encouraging youth to embrace AI technologies. “India’s edge on the global stage depends on our ability to upskill and harness AI for progress” he said. Tushar Arun Gandhi, author and great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasized the ethical implications of AI and its potential to contribute to social reform, advocating for a more equitable society.

Milind Deora, Member of Rajya Sabha sent his wishes and scheduled his visit to the AI Studio to discuss how Mumbai can lead the AI wave in India. The event attracted over 100 industry leaders, including CXOs, Founders, AI Engineers, and Executives from Tata Digital, BookMyShow, IndusInd Bank, and PeekUp (Philippines), positioning the studio as a collaborative AI hub across multiple sectors.

Es Magico showcased several AI-driven SaaS products, including an AI Interviewer to streamline recruitment, a Gamification and Loyalty platform for customer engagement, and an

Multilingual voice first AI Support platform to enhance customer service. These products demonstrate Es Magico’s commitment to offering scalable AI solutions for impact.

Vedatya to Host Muqabla 2024, A Premier Talent Showcase

16th October 2024,New Delhi– Vedatya is set to host Muqabla 2024, an exciting competition designed to offer school students a platform to showcase their talents in hospitality, culinary arts, business, and design. Taking place on October 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Vedatya’s sprawling campus in Sohna, Gurugram, the event promises to be a day of creativity, innovation, and networking for the young professionals of tomorrow.

Students from renowned institutions, including The Shri Ram School, DAV Public School, Euro International School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, K.R. Mangalam World School, and many others, will compete in a series of challenging and engaging competitions.

Muqabla 2024 offers a variety of creative competitions. Participants can showcase their culinary skills in the Budding Chef Competition by preparing traditional Indian dishes. The “Joy of Draping” competition focuses on innovative ways to adorn the body using uncut cloth. In the “Ad-Mad Show,” students create humorous and conceptual advertisements for different products and services. Finally, the “Be a ‘Change Maker‘” competition challenges participants to produce engaging reels that capture service moments or Muqabla-related content.

The event not only allows students to demonstrate their skills but also provides valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals. In addition to the competitions, attendees will enjoy a Hi-Tea and musical soirée, offering a perfect platform for participants to connect with potential employers and expand their career opportunities.

Prof. Sandeep Munjal shares, “Vedatya is known for its commitment to nurturing creative talent, and we believe this annual event will be a great opportunity for students from different schools to come together, compete, and share experiences! We look forward to welcoming students, educators, and professionals to this dynamic event that highlights the future leaders of the hospitality, business, and creative industries.”

Stuti Vinkle Reveals she left MBA for her lead role in Saajha Sindoor: “I chose to follow my heart…..”

Acting is a field that many people think about and choose well in advance, while for some, it just becomes a path they end up following. One such story is that of Stuti Vinkle, who plays the character Phooli in the Sun Neo show Saajha Sindoor. Recently, Stuti shared her journey, explaining how she decided to leave her MBA course to pursue her passion for acting in this show.

In my family, everyone is a lawyer, and I initially planned to pursue law too. However, after my father changed my school in 9th grade, I discovered my passion for acting. Before that, I didn’t know much about theater, but I was an enthusiastic kid who wanted to try everything—sports, dance, and any activities happening around me. When I found out there was a theater play at my new school, I was eager to participate. At first, I wasn’t selected because only 16 students were chosen, and I was disappointed since I really wanted to be part of it, even though I had no acting experience. Luckily, they decided to take one extra student, and I was the 17th chosen. Once I performed, I loved it and realized that acting was what I wanted to do.

After that, I spoke to my family about my passion for acting, and many things started happening that drew me further into the world of acting. I had also enrolled in an MBA program, but I decided to drop out after I got a lead role in Sun Neo’s Saajha Sindoor. It was a tough decision, as I had cleared the CAT entrance exam with flying colours. However, I chose to follow my heart and focus on acting instead. With the kind of love and support I am receiving as Phooli, I and my family are very happy with the decision.

Stuti Vinkle stars as Phooli in Saajha Sindoor, where her captivating on-screen chemistry with Sahil Uppal, who plays Gagan, has won over audiences. The show chronicles the marital journey of Phooli and Gagan, while Saroj, portrayed by Sangita Ghosh, plots to create discord between them. Saajha Sindoor airs on Sun Neo every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 PM.

Whistling Woods International Hosts 2024 Media & Communication Masterclass Marathon on Industry Insights

Mumbai, October, 2024: The 6th edition of the Whistling Woods International (WWI) School of Media & Communication (SMC) Masterclass Marathon recently concluded, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned industry professionals across Public Relations, Digital Marketing, and Sports Broadcasting domains. The event featured interactive sessions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise. The Masterclass Marathon is an integral part of WWI Media & Communication programme to prepare its students for the evolving demands of the media & entertainment (M&E) industry.

The Masterclass Marathon opened with a session led by Mr. Shashikant Someshwar, Managing Director of Current Global India, who provided an in-depth exploration of the evolving role of public relations in today’s marketing landscape. He emphasised how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the focus from traditional advertising to reputation management, with PR gaining centre stage. He discussed the growing relevance of storytelling in building brands and noted the need for media audits as a key component in assessing brand perception.

The second session featured Mr. Govind Rai, Co-Founder of Insomniacs Digital Pvt. Ltd., also an alumnus of WWI. He shared his journey from the real estate sector to digital marketing. His firm’s success, now a 300-member team with Meta and Google partnerships, stands as a testament to his belief in innovation and perseverance. Mr. Rai spoke about how standing out in business is key, encouraging students to embrace unique approaches rather than following the “rat race.” The session also delved into how digital tools have revolutionised transactions, especially in real estate sector, and stressed the need for continuous skill development in AI and digital platforms.

The final session, led by veteran sports journalist, Mr. Gaurav Kalra, offered a deep dive into the world of sports broadcasting. He reflected on his experiences covering global events like the Olympics, recounting the technical challenges of early broadcasting versus today’s advanced digital tools. He emphasised the transformative role of social media in creating real-time interactions between athletes and fans, as well as the growing importance of data analytics in shaping personalised content.

Talking about the event, Rahul Puri, Director – Academics, WWI said, “The SMC Masterclass Marathon is a vital platform for our students to engage directly with industry veterans. It exemplifies our commitment to bridge academic learning with real-world expertise. Each session delivered invaluable, real-world insights, offering the students a deeper understanding of the evolving M&E landscape, while equipping them with actionable tools needed to excel in their professional journeys. It’s a testament to the kind of immersive, career-oriented education we foster, where learning is dynamic, experiential, and directly aligned with industry needs.”

The event successfully provided WWI Media & Communication students with key knowledge and inspiration, preparing them for the rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The Detailing Mafia announces expansion plan for opening 200 car care studios by 2027

National, 16th October 2024: The Detailing Mafia, a leading provider of car detailing services, today announced the significant expansion of its nationwide network. Through its franchise business model, the brand has successfully launched over 200 stores across the country in the past four years, fortifying its position as a dominant player in the automotive detailing industry.

At present, The Detailing Mafia exists in 23 states and 4 union territories, including all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Agra, Chandigarh, Bhopal, etc. Additionally, the brand has made its international presence by opening a detailing studio in Nepal.

Having achieved a significant milestone, the brand has ambitious plans to expand its reach and accessibility to customers residing across the country. The company has set a strategic goal of opening an additional 200 stores by the end of 2027. This aggressive growth strategy will enable the brand to serve a wider customer base and meet the increasing demand for high-quality car detailing services. The brand has set a target to expand its business in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and capture the international market.

“We are thrilled to announce the rapid growth of our store network in the next 3 years. The plan resonates with our commitment to provide exceptional car detailing services PAN India and aligns with rising demands of customers residing in the country and internationally as well. This expansion reflects our dedication of catering to the evolving needs of our customers and becoming a trusted partner in automotive care”, said Mr. Kunal Sethi, CEO of The Detailing Mafia.

The brand offers a comprehensive range of detailing services, including Ceramic Coating, PPF, Bike Detailing, Ceramic Wash, Steam Wash, Peelable Paint, Car Denting Painting, and Windshield Protection Film. Each franchise studio is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by highly trained professionals passionate about delivering meticulous results. The brand’s focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation has been instrumental in its success. The Detailing Mafia International Car Care Solutions, a pioneer in safety standards within the car care industry, proudly announces its commitment to delivering exceptional detailing services for international vehicles, ensuring both excellence and reliability for discerning clients worldwide.

Corvi Launches Industry’s First Ultra-Efficient LED Bulb, Cuts Power Use by 33% and Lasts 50 Years

Corvi, a global leader in lighting innovation, proudly announces the launch of its ground breaking 6W 4-Star LED bulb, the most ultra-efficient option in India. This bulb delivers the same brightness as a 9W 1-Star LED bulb currently on the market, while consuming only 6W of power. Offering the same powerful illumination with significantly lower energy consumption, the bulb has a 50-year lifespan, several times longer than standard LEDs, and reduces power consumption by 33%. With its 4-star rating, this product represents a major leap forward in energy efficiency. Over its lifetime, it cuts carbon emissions by 1.94 kg annually, reducing the overall carbon footprint by an impressive 90%. Corvi’s innovative technology enhances both performance and sustainability, setting new standards in the lighting industry. Mumbai, October 2024

For the first time since the Edison era, Corvi has reimagined bulb design with a sleek, non-protruding shape that optimises performance while minimising environmental impact. By reducing plastic usage by 50% in its design, Corvi has significantly lowered carbon emissions throughout the product’s lifecycle, all while improving logistical efficiency, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The 6W bulb delivers an impressive 810 Lumens of brightness, outperforming industry benchmarks and offering consumers superior lighting. This breakthrough underscores Corvi’s commitment to research and development, further establishing its leadership in the lighting sector.

 “I’ve always wondered why the shape of bulbs had to remain stagnant. This curiosity drove us to innovate a new design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances energy efficiency—an essential requirement for the future. Our latest technology showcases this commitment, as we redefine the future of LED lighting with innovative and sustainable solutions tailored for modern consumers. This represents a significant leap forward in our journey.”Vimal Soni, Founder of Corvi LED, stated

Corvi continues to set the standard in lighting excellence, with a global demand for over 20 billion units and 1 billion in India alone. With more than 200 patents and design registrations, Corvi’s products are exported to 24 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Every product is proudly made in India, reflecting the company’s commitment to local manufacturing and quality.

Scandalous Foods Survey: Traditional Sweets Sales Surge 55% Pre-Festive, Outpacing Western Desserts

Mumbai, 16th October 2024: Scandalous Foods, a leading B2B innovator in Indian sweets for the restaurant and catering industry, has released a revealing survey detailing consumer preferences during the festive season. The report sheds light on the dominant position of traditional Indian sweets, which have surged ahead of Western desserts and ice creams in festive consumption patterns.

The survey, conducted among a mix of over 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants, underscores a clear preference for classic Indian mithais prior to the festivities, which now account for 55% of all festive dessert sales. By comparison, Western desserts make up only 25% of sales, with ice creams and chocolates rounding out the remaining 20%. Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and innovative fusion desserts such as Rasmalai Tiramisu have emerged as top choices, especially in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment.

Scandalous Foods attributes this growth to several factors, including the growing trend toward healthier, innovative dessert options and a pricing strategy that resonates with both consumers and businesses. Expanding their distribution network from 400 to over 1,500 touchpoints in the last year alone has also contributed to the increased availability and accessibility of these beloved sweets, particularly during the festive season.

Commenting on the findings, Sanket S, Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods, stated, “It has never been in doubt that Indian sweets are world-beaters when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, especially during festive seasons. Our latest survey reinforces that traditional mithais continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, particularly in moments of celebration. As we scale our operations and innovate with fusion desserts, we are excited to meet the evolving demands of the market while staying true to the rich heritage of Indian sweets.”

The survey also highlights the pivotal role that the HoReCa sector plays in the resurgence of traditional Indian desserts. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and cloud kitchens, in particular, have driven the surge in orders, with festive gifting also contributing strongly to sales growth. Additionally, the rise of fusion sweets, blending traditional and modern flavors, reflects a growing trend toward culinary experimentation, especially among younger consumers.

As the festive season continues to unfold, Scandalous Foods anticipates sustained demand for both classic and innovative sweets, predicting that Indian mithais will continue to capture a dominant share of the market well into the wedding season and beyond.

Justdial reports 47% Surge in organic food searches, India’s appetite for healthy living grows

The Indian organic food market is experiencing a meteoric rise, driven by a growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with organic products. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the market size reached a substantial US$ 1,582.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.19% to reach US$ 8,918.5 Million by 2032.

This surge in demand can be attributed to several factors, including a heightened understanding of the health hazards posed by chemical pesticides and fertilisers and a rising consciousness about the long-term benefits of organic food consumption. To meet this growing demand, businesses in the food industry are expanding their organic offerings and investing in sustainable farming practices. This has led to a surge in organic food-related searches across India. A recent study by Justdial, India’s No.1 local search engine, revealed a significant increase in searches for organic food manufacturers, retailers, farms, grocery stores, and product dealers.

Between June and August 2024, organic food searches across India witnessed a remarkable 47% increase compared to the previous quarter. This surge was particularly pronounced in metropolitan cities, with Mumbai leading the way at a staggering 90% increase. Other major cities like Pune (65%), Delhi (55%), Hyderabad (54%), Bangalore (40%), Chennai (38%), and Ahmedabad (24%) also saw significant growth in organic food searches during this period.

In non-metropolitan cities, organic food searches increased by 45% overall. Bhopal experienced a phenomenal increase in organic food with searches between June and August 2024 becoming 18 fold when compared to the previous quarter. Coimbatore also saw a substantial increase of 62%.

One of the most notable trends observed was the substantial rise in searches for organic food manufacturers, which saw a 79% overall increase in searches. The top cities for these searches were Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi. Organic food retailers saw a significant increase in searches, with a 68% overall rise. Bhopal witnessed the most dramatic increase, with searches reaching 49 times compared to the previous quarter. Other cities that saw spikes included Mumbai (152%), Hyderabad (106%), Delhi (100%), Bangalore (44%), and Chennai (40%).

Organic farms, grocery stores, and product dealers also experienced increased search interest. Organic farms saw a 31% overall increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. Organic grocery stores saw a 25% increase, with the top cities being Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Organic product dealers saw a 13% increase, with Chennai being the top city for these searches.

These findings underscore the growing awareness and acceptance of organic food among Indian consumers. As the demand for organic products continues to rise, businesses in the food industry would do well to capitalise on this trend by offering a wider range of organic options and educating consumers about the benefits of organic living.

Chef at Residence- A Culinary Journey with Aunty Vandana Talreja at Roxie

Roxie is thrilled to unveil its “Chef at Residence” program, headlined by the exceptional Aunty Vandana Talreja, a celebrated chef known for her mastery of authentic, soulful cooking. For two weeks, Aunty Talreja will transform the Roxie dining experience with her iconic dishes—Keema Samosa and Dal Pakwan—inviting guests to savor the flavors of her rich culinary heritage.

More than just adding new items to the menu, Aunty Talreja will engage directly with diners, sharing the heartfelt stories behind each dish and collecting invaluable feedback to fine-tune the menu. Elevating this experience further, she will lead exclusive masterclasses, offering guests an inside look at the techniques behind her beloved recipes.

Though a pure vegetarian, Aunty Talreja’s expertise spans both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every dish. Originally from Erode, Tamil Nadu, and now based in Bangalore, her passion for cooking and her talent for crafting authentic North Indian cuisine have earned her widespread admiration.

Roxie’s “Chef at Residence” program is a celebration of culinary tradition and innovation, designed to offer guests a truly immersive and memorable dining experience, connecting them to the roots of the food they love in a way that’s both intimate and inspiring.